Bangalore, India - Sometimes, children just ask the more probing questions - even if it is on the world travels of a foreign minister as he faces such issues as the global financial crisis, Iran's nuclear programme and pirates off the coast of Somalia.

Instead, the public might like to hear whether globe-trotting German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier gets homesick or whether he has a favourite foreign land.

Twelve-year-old Berliner Antonia Dolla knows the answers. This week, she became the first child to travel with the official delegation of the German minister during his three-day trip to India.

New Delhi - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan Friday began his official visit to India, during which the global financial crisis, energy and trade will dominate the agenda for discussions with Indian leaders.

Erdogan, who arrived in New Delhi at midnight Thursday on a five-day visit, was accorded a ceremonial welcome by his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh in the forecourt of the presidential palace.

New Delhi, Nov 21: Chinese acrobats put up a spectacular show of their traditional art form here on Thursday.

The acrobats from the Tianjin Acrobatic Troupe, made creative use of props like lamps and hats to enthrall the audiences at the show.

Twirling and twisting their bodies, the acrobats moved around with agility as they showcased their art.

The act left the audiences mesmerized which gave a standing ovation to the performers.

"Simply incredible. I think an experience we will never forget, the Chinese acrobats. I think it''s an age-old tradition, which they have nurtured," said Vasanthi, a spectator.

New Delhi, Nov 21: German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier who is on a three-day maiden visit to India to enhance bilateral ties between the two countries, met Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee last evening.

Issues like current global economic crisis and environment protection are likely to be the focus during his visit.

The issue of escalating violence in Afghanistan is also expected to come up during his discussions with Indian leaders.

A delegation of businessmen is accompanying Steinmeier.

Steinmeier will inaugurate new German Consulate General in IT city Bangalore.

New Delhi, Nov 21: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has said that India needs to restore economic confidence hit by the global credit crisis by helping struggling industries, boosting infrastructure spending and dramatically improving governance.

BJP''s senior leaders including leader in parliament Lal Krishna Advani held a meeting with industrialists to have a better understanding of the impact of the global crisis on the Indian economy.

During the meeting, Advani said that India was facing a serious economic crisis as it heads into elections in 2009.

BJP leader Yashwant Singh said the economy could take a hit if the government did not manage its finances properly.

New Delhi, Nov. 21: The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, and the Chairperson of the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA), Sonia Gandhi, on Friday said that India had the capability to minimise the negative impact of the global financial meltdown.

Addressing participants at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit here this morning, both described the global economic crisis as a major issue, but added that its impact could be contained to allow new opportunities to surface.